Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer just took one huge step toward playing in Fenway Park. Has Xander Bogaerts' long-term replacement finally arrived?

Boston Red Sox prospect and 2021 first-round pick Marcelo Mayer was long hailed to be a fantastic addition to the team, and his arrival to the majors could happen sooner rather than later.

As reported by the Boston Globe, Mayer is being promoted to Double-A Portland on Tuesday following his flaming-hot start in Single-A Greenville.

In 2023, Mayer slashed .290/.388/.490 with seven homers and five stolen bases; after a decent streak of form in April, he batted .321 in May with six homers and has looked his best so far.

His prolific May showers seemed to seal the deal for the Red Sox, and they decided to promote him to the Sea Dogs in Somerset on Tuesday.

Boston Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer gets promoted to Double-A

The 2021 No. 4 overall pick will become the youngest Red Sox draftee to reach Double-A since Anthony Rizzo and Casey Kelly in 2009.

Mayer's talent and intangibles have made him the centerpiece of the Red Sox farm system since being drafted, and he seems on track for a bright future in Boston. He'll join a few other Red Sox prospects on the Seadogs including Ceddanne Rafaela, Nick Yorke, and Matthew Lugo.

Chances are slim that Mayer will get the opportunity to help the Red Sox this season, but given his swift progression through the ranks this season, a tentative target date of early 2024 could see Mayer make his MLB debut.

For now, Double-A will be a formidable test for the 20-year-old shortstop to prove his chops and continue fine-tuning his skills.